Birch Wathen Lenox celebrates Class of 2026 graduation

Birch Wathen Lenox marked the graduation of 41 members of its Class of 2026 on May 21 in New York City, spotlighting belonging, ambition and growth. The ceremony also recognized student achievements, college destinations and the contributions of longtime faculty and alumni speakers.

Why it matters: - Birch Wathen Lenox used graduation to spotlight the class values that defined the senior year: belonging, ambition and growth. - The ceremony capped years of academic, social and personal development for 41 graduates moving on to college. - The event also underscored how school communities can shape students’ confidence, identity and sense of support.

What happened: - Birch Wathen Lenox held its graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 21, at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York City. - The school graduated 41 members of the Class of 2026. - Student speakers Jaevian Pardo ’26 and Dolcé Rehbein ’26 delivered reflections on their time at BWL. - Graduation speaker Josh Bekenstein (BW ’76) addressed the class. - Retiring faculty member Josh Russell gave his final BWL graduation speech after 35 years of service. - Head of School Bill Kuhn also spoke to graduates about the class’s leadership and resilience.

The details: - Dolcé Rehbein, co-president of the senior class and a BWL student since kindergarten, described 13 years at the school as a source of belonging. - Rehbein reflected on everyday school moments, including hallway routines, classroom traditions, dress code debates and friendships that felt like family. - Rehbein described the BWL experience as “kaleidoscopic” and urged classmates to carry their connections forward. - Jaevian Pardo, who joined BWL as a freshman, said he entered the school not knowing anyone and gradually found community. - Pardo said many of high school’s most important lessons came through relationships, resilience and shared experiences. - Pardo highlighted connections with advisors, teachers, staff and peers, and called the Class of 2026 more than classmates. - Dolcé Rehbein received the Book Prize for academic achievement, curiosity, leadership, citizenship and service. - Maia Salgado ’26 received the Faculty Prize for integrity, compassion and respect for others. - Bekenstein, a Birch Wathen alum and founder of Bain Capital, said his family’s sacrifices to send him to school shaped his view of opportunity and responsibility. - Bekenstein chairs the Board of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and recently completed his term as Senior Trustee at Yale University. - Russell said BWL became his second home and thanked students, faculty and staff for becoming his extended family. - Kuhn said the class embraced belonging, ambition and growth through civic engagement, leadership, artistic expression, athletics, community service and advocacy. - The graduating class turned tassels and caps in front of family, friends, faculty and staff.

Between the lines: - The ceremony framed graduation as more than an academic milestone. - BWL emphasized the emotional and relational value of the school experience, not just college placement. - The presence of an alumnus, a retiring longtime teacher and student speakers gave the event a strong theme of continuity across generations. - The school’s messaging suggested that college readiness at BWL includes character, judgment and community-mindedness.

What's next: - The Class of 2026 will attend colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. - Destinations include American University, Boston University, Cornell University, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, University of Southern California, University of Virginia and Washington University in St. Louis. - Other destinations include Carleton University, London South Bank University, Parsons School of Design and Savannah College of Art & Design. - Earlier this spring, BWL held a National College Decision Day celebration for the class. - BWL’s College Counseling team supported students and families throughout the college process. - The school said the graduates will carry curiosity, compassion and courage into new campuses and opportunities.

The bottom line: - Birch Wathen Lenox sent off a class it says helped define the school’s culture, while also marking a transition to a wide range of colleges next fall. - More information - The school on Instagram - The school on Facebook